Overview
Sicilian Escape with Malta
Escape to Sicily for seven days of beauty, cuisine, and history—without the crowds you’d find in the high season. Begin in Palermo and meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. Spend the following day on a guided sightseeing tour of Palermo’s ornate Piazza Bellini and Capo Market. See the stunning baroque features of the Church of the Immacolata, and visit the historic Palermo Cathedral. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro in Monreale, and visit the 12th-century Norman Cathedral with its treasured byzantine mosaics.Walk through the 24-centuries-old Valley of the Temples with your Local Guide in Agrigento, visit Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale to admire the world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics. In Syracuse, the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes, you’ll take a guided visit to the archaeological site of the 5th-century-BC Greek Theater, Garden of Paradise, Ear of Dionysus, Altar of Hieron II, Roman Amphitheater, and the Cordmaker’s Cave. Travel to Catania, where you’ll sample Sicily’s famous Arancino, and spend two nights on the spectacular Taormina Riviera, your base for a fascinating excursion to Mount Etna—the largest active volcano in Europe. Explore Taormina, and complete your Sicilian Escape with a fabulous dinner at a local restaurant. Discover the marvelous sights of Malta to explore the ancient archaeological sites and amazing seaside sights along the way. Join us to experience these 2 countries' exquisite beauty that will stay with you for years to come—a guided vacation in Sicily and Malta you’ll treasure forever.
Highlights of Sicilian Escape with Malta
City Highlights
Price Details US
All Escape by Globus tours and departures are excluded from the following Globus discounts: Book Early & Save Discounts, Second Tour Discount and Small Group Discount.
Related Tours
KIJ|Sicilian EscapeKIM|With Malta
Notes
Related Option Title
With Malta
UNESCO Sites
City of Valletta
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $1,569*18 guests in a party: $364*
Product Group
Sicilian Escape
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring in spacious comfort by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi is included on board your coach and in most hotel lobbies and common areas.
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN PALERMO, ITALY Welcome to Palermo! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)PALERMO-PIAZZA.jpg
Day 2
PALERMO Sicilian Specialties PALERMO Guided sightseeing includes the Church of Immacolata, and a visit to the cathedral. Drive up to Monreale for a panoramic view of the Conca d’Oro and visit the Norman Cathedral. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT The story of the splendid Monreale cathedral starts when the Arabs took control of Palermo. They transformed the cathedral into a mosque and banished the Bishop of Palermo from town. Not wishing to venture too far from his beloved cathedral, the Bishop settled in a small village in the hills overlooking Palermo, the site of modern-day Monreale. There, he built a modest church to keep the flame of local Christian worship alive. Today the cathedral is known for its stunning mosaics that cover an area of over 64.500sq ft.MONREAL-CATHEDRAL.jpg
Day 3
PALERMO–AGRIGENTO Timeless Temples AGRIGENTO Take a guided walking tour of the Valley of Temples. (B,D) 87 mi / 140 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGY The ruins of Akragas remain Sicily's most amazing archaeological site. The impressively well-preserved Tempio della Concordia sits in spectacular setting upon a ridge where it served as a beacon for homecoming sailors and today draws enthralled visitors to revel in the remarkable Valley of the Temples.AGRIGENTO.jpg
Day 4
AGRIGENTO–PIAZZA ARMERINA–SYRACUSE Ancient Artistry In Sicily PIAZZA ARMERINA Take a guided visit of the Villa Romana del Casale with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Enjoy lunch with regional specialties at a local restaurant. (B,L) 162 mi / 260 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Explore the extraordinary example of Roman power in one of the most luxurious villas of its kind in the Italian countryside. Marvel at the magnificently preserved mosaics that embellish the Villa Romana del Casale, designed and installed by African mosaic workers and the strength of the Roman influence and power throughout the Mediterranean region.PIAZZA-ARMERINA-VILLA-ROMANA-DEL-CASALE.jpg
Day 5
SYRACUSE–CATANIA–TAORMINA RIVIERA Coastal Treasures SYRACUSE Guided visit to the Greek and Roman ruins of the Archaeological Park features the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheater. CATANIA [LF] Arancino tasting and free time on the way to Taormina Riviera. (B) 75 mi / 120 kmLOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Sicily’s love affair with food goes back a long way. Cooking traditions originating from the Greeks, Arabs, and Normans blend with those from Spain and North Africa resulting in a fabulous melting pot of flavors and unique dishes. Celebrate this feast of cultures with a traditional arancino tasting one of Sicily’s most famous street food.CATANIA-ARANCINO.jpg
Day 6
TAORMINA RIVIERA The Pearl of the Mediterranean TAORMINA RIVIERA Guided excursion to Mount Etna. Orientation walk through Taormina town and free time. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest volcano and one of the most active in the world. Learn how in 1669, an eruption that lasted 112 days developed a record long stream of lava that destroyed the city of Catania.TAORMINA-MOUNT-ETNA.jpg
Day 7
CATANIA-LA VALLETTA, MALTA–ST. JULIAN Gardens and a Grand Harbor CATANIA Fly to La Valletta airport.LA VALLETTA Orientation walk includes the Barakka Gardens. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Welcome to the marvelous sights of Malta with an overnight stay in St. Julian. Named for the patron Saint that bears his name, this seaside town is rich with history and lovely views of the rocky stretch along the promenade. ST-JULIAN.jpg
Day 8
ST. JULIAN Home of Giants ST. JULIAN Free day to explore the city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE with a visit to the little island of Gozo home’s oldest freestanding structures in the world: the 5,500-year-old complex of the Ggantija Temples. Locals claim the site was built by giants, hence the name “Ggantija.”TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEM When the capital city was moved out of Mdina, the city was left uninhabited so people started to consider it a ghost town and the “silent city” nickname was born. This name is still fitting today as there are many signs around the city urging to be silent and no cars are allowed in the city.GOZO.jpg
Day 9
ST. JULIAN: EXCURSION TO RABAT-MOSTA & MDINA Catacombs & Silent CitiesRABAT Stop in the city famous for its catacombsMOSTA Take pictures of the stunning Roman Catholic church with a unique architectural history.MDINA Walk through the “Silent City” and take in views of the ancient walls followed by a glass blowing demonstration. Farewell dinner at local restaurant. (B,D)MDINA.jpg
Day 10
ST. JULIAN Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)ST-JULIAN-BOAT.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Garibaldi | This casual 71-room Hotel is housed in a Liberty-style building located directly opposite Palermo's famous Politeama Theater. The contemporary styled guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV and Free Wi-Fi access. The on-site restaurant serves a varied buffet breakfast and a modern American Bar is also at Guest's disposal. | Palermo | Via E. Amari 146 | First-Class |
| 2 | Della Valle | Set amid a beautiful garden with olive and palm trees, Hotel Della Valle features a bar serving snacks and cocktails throughout the day, an outdoor swimming pool and two restaurants one located in the park and one overlooking the swimming pool - where to enjoy international cuisine, and traditional Sicilian dishes. All 112 guest rooms are modern and decorated in Sicilian style, offering air conditioning, minibar, in-room safe and flat screen TV with international channels. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. The famous Temples Valley is within easy reach. | Agrigento | Via Ugo La Malfa 3 | First-Class |
| 3 | Grand Hotel Villa Politi | This 100-room historical hotel is itself a part of Syracuse's rich history, located north of the city centre close to Siracuse¿s famed archaeological zone. Set in a magnificent 19th-century former noble residence, the villa has glamorous interior features echoing the Art Deco era and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Local Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant and there is a lounge bar serving a good choice of international liqueurs as well as classical Italian aperitivi and digestivi. The elegant Liberty style guest rooms feature Art-Nouveau furniture and are equipped with air conditioning, minibar and hardwood or parquet floors. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Syracuse | Via Maria Politi Laudien, 2 | First-Class |
| 4 | Hellenia Yachting Hotel | Hellenia Yachting Hotel is an elegant 4-star hotel in Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony of Sicily. The property is directly overlooking the waterfront and features a private beach, a spa and a pool. There is a piano bar located in the main terrace area and immediatly adjacent to the main in-house restaurants which boasts some of the finest Sicilian cuisine, presenting traditional local dishes with a fresh and original touch. | Giardini Naxos | Via Jannuzzo, 41 | First-Class |
| 5 | Mercure St. Julian's Malta | Mercure St. Julian¿s Malta is a modern hotel with stylish and contemporary interiors combined with a Mediterranean charm. Centrally located within walking distance from the St. Julian¿s promenade and casinos, with many restaurants, bars and entertainment options nearby. From the rooftop pool area on the 11th floor, breathtaking 360° views over Spinola Bay can be enjoyed. A fully equipped fitness centre is available and Free Wi-Fi internet access is included throughout the property. All 111 colorful guestrooms are elegantly furnished and feature air conditioning, flat screen TV's with international channels, coffee and tea making facilities, an in-room safe and minibar. | St. Julians | Qaliet street | First-Class |
